Farewell to Gerald Fitzella
“Farewell to Gerald Fitzella” is an innovative folk/bluegrass leaning offering , that has an infectious, rootsy, upbeat bounce that a listener will revisit time and time again. This independent release wraps you up in its carnivalesque air and fights to keep you there.
Singer/Songwriter Gary Eugene’s vocal delivery sounds effortlessly authentic and the relaxed harmonization with Marian van der Zon can only be struck in the tightest of groups. Applause is also warranted for Marian’s solo lead and intermittent scat vocals sprinkled throughout the disc. Her progressive five string slide banjo and guitar vibrato contribution to the groups voice I must label as unique and dissimilar to any groups I’ve tried to compare.
Songs that shine like, “ From the Sweetness”, “ They” and “Book of Ghosts” hit me for their lyrical bends, twists, and puzzles; as did, the thought wrenching five minute, “ Blink of Death” track. “Country Spiders”, “Wall Mart” and “ Happy Birthday” deliver comedic and/or social commentary interludes that are part and parcel to the carnival mystique. The only copy tune is a flattering rendition of the Pixies, “ Where Is My Mind?” which previously served as the closing theme song in the hit movie, “ Fight Club”.
Have a listen and you’ll be asking, as I did, “ Is this Really a Debut Album?”
John Roman
Gabriola Radio
Puzzelroot
